Britain went into a jump-off with Holland for the Olympic title and it was Hampshire-based Charles' clear round that clinched top spot.

It meant the British quartet of Charles, Nick Skelton, Ben Maher and Scott Brash gave Britain its first Olympic team showjumping gold medal since 1952.

'Vinnie is one of the best horses I have ever ridden, so the decision to move him on has not come lightly,' Charles said on his Facebook page.

'He produced an outstanding performance to secure team gold for Britain for the first time in 60 years, and I will never forget how that felt and how unbelievably proud he made me and my team feel.

'In order to invest in a new string of young horses in preparation for Rio 2016, we have had to make the decision to allow him to move to another rider.

'He will now be ridden by his new owner Jessica Springsteen for the USA.

'I wish Jessica the best of luck with him and I am sure he will make her proud, too.'

British equestrian is braced for a period of rebuilding and consolidation following a memorable Olympics that saw home-based riders top the medal table.

In addition to the showjumpers, Britain's dressage trio of Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester and Laura Bechtolsheimer won team gold, while Dujardin also took the individual title and Bechtolsheimer was third.